New JSLHR Article and ASHAWire Special Collection Highlight CAPD and Other Auditory Conditions in Military Service Members and Veterans

May 12, 2020

It is well documented that people with a history of military service are at a significant risk for hearing loss and tinnitus due to noise exposure and ear damage. Further evidence now suggests that service members and veterans are also at risk for central auditory processing disorder (CAPD). An article by Tepe and colleagues in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research focuses on the evidence and suggests the next steps that researchers should take.

CAPD may develop in adults with seemingly normal hearing thresholds, and testing for CAPD is not routine in most audiology clinics. Therefore, although audiologists may have been exposed to CAPD testing and treatment in the classroom, few have professional experience selecting, administering, and interpreting tests (Tepe et al., 2020, p. 846).

Although there has been little research focused on CAPD in service members and veterans, a combination of factors puts this population specifically at risk for CAPD. Research cited by Tepe et al. (2020) shows that blast exposure, neurotrauma, prolonged exposure to hazardous noise, and even exposure to chemicals found in jet fuel can put these individuals at risk. The authors break down each of these risk factors and discuss comorbid physical and mental diagnoses that can make identifying CAPD difficult.

Although most civilians who undergo CAPD testing are self-referred, military populations may be referred as part of a required health physical. The authors raise some important questions: “Are existing clinical practice guidelines suitable for use in the military population, and is there a test battery or intervention strategy that is optimal for use in this population?” (Tepe et al., 2020, p. 841).

Finally, Tepe and colleagues discuss current system-level challenges to getting assessment and treatment for service members. “Surveys of audiologists across the DoD and VA reveal staggering differences in how clinicians define, assess, and treat CAPD” (Tepe et al., 2020, p. 846). They provide a list of solutions—many of which can be implemented immediately—to address these problems.

We hope that this JSLHR article, its accompanying infographic, and the special collection are helpful resources when researching or treating military service members and veterans. As the JSLHR article by Tepe et al. (2020) shows, we’ve only scratched the surface of auditory risk factors unique to this population. You can view the special collection here or explore the individual articles below.